When Therapy Walks Beside You

 

This morning, during my daily walk, I crossed paths with a former colleague, someone who, like me, was part of the retrenchment wave. What started as a casual “hello” turned into something more: a walk-and-talk where therapy met therapy.

As we shared our stories, what stood out wasn't the differences in our situations, but the striking similarities in how we were experiencing this transition. Different roles, different paths, but the emotions? They echoed each other. The sense of loss, uncertainty, and disorientation. The quiet fear mixed with cautious hope. We were both living it, just like so many others are right now.

With a background in Psychology, mental health has always been close to my heart. And in this moment, it struck me how deeply retrenchment mirrors other forms of grief. Losing your job is not just a financial hit, it’s an emotional unraveling. It affects how you think, how you focus, how you show up. Just when you’re expected to be at your sharpest, job hunting, networking, pitching yourself, you’re often at your most mentally and emotionally drained.

It makes me wonder: Do companies truly consider this when they retrench skilled staff in masses? Beyond the spreadsheets and legal processes, do they see the human cost?

Would it not make a difference to have grief counselling on site, to offer even a basic framework for healing and clarity in the aftermath? Or were we simply numbers all along, while the word “People” remained etched on the walls we passed daily, more slogan than ethos?

Yet here’s the truth that’s become so clear: the “People” have always been the people. The ones left behind, as well as those affected before us, they’re the ones who have shown up. They’ve rallied, reached back, and extended hands in support. You are the quiet heroes. I see you. I salute you. For your compassion, your humanity, and your effort to remind us we’re not alone. Your thoughtfulness and kindness are keeping so many of us going.

Thank you. You are the proof that empathy still has a pulse in this world.

Sometimes it takes a morning walk to realize you’re not walking this road by yourself after all.

~Nerusha